Scholar Athlete of the Week: Maddie Johnston

BLOOMFIELD, N.Y. (WHEC) – Maddie Johnston is a leader on the soccer field and in the classroom.

Coming into Bloomfield High School as a freshman interesting in playing soccer, Maddie Johnston didn’t know what to expect.

“I think I was mostly intimidated playing with older girls. I just felt very young and new and I didn’t know just how the games went,” said Johnston.

It didn’t take long for her to turn into a leader. Johnston, a senior, has been a captain on the girls soccer team for two seasons and is noted for her quiet style of leadership.

“I think I mostly lead by example. I try to always put in 100% effort and be on time and just do the right thing,” said Johnston.

And that was seen first hand by head coach Chris McConnell.

“We were up at halftime by a few goals and so I was getting some of the younger girls some playing time and I felt bad because Maddie hadn’t gotten in at all in the second half. I called her off the bench to go in and she looked at me and said coach, the subs are playing great, keep them in,” said McConnell.

McConnell told me that story is what exemplifies Johnston as a person.

It’s clear that Johnston also shows leadership in the classroom and with extracurriculars. She’s very involved with student council, is a member of the National Honor Society, and was recognized with the University of Rochester / George Eastman Young Leaders Award as a junior.

However, back as a freshman, Johnston says she didn’t see this coming.

“Definitely not, I did not think I’d be this busy and this involved, but I love it and I love always having something to do,” said Johnston.

Of course, the hard work pays off, especially on the field. Bloomfield is the 6-seed in the Section V Girls Soccer Class C1 Sectionals. The tournament started on Tuesday.